Understanding Somatic Cell Counts in Dairy Cows: A Blend of Tradition and Moonsyst AI Technology

In the ever-evolving world of dairy farming, a key health metric for our cows has always been the monitoring of somatic cell counts (SCC) in milk. This simple measure can tell us much about the well-being of a cow and the quality of milk it produces. But what exactly does it entail, and how can modern technology aid in its management? This post aims to clarify these questions and introduce a remarkable technological ally in this endeavour.

What Is a Somatic Cell Count?
Simply put, SCC is the tally of somatic cells present in a millilitre of milk. These cells consist of a mix: a small number of cells from the udder tissue and a majority that are white blood cells or leukocytes. A high count is often a signpost indicating infection, such as mastitis, within the udder.

The White Blood Cell: A Dairy Cow’s Defender
Leukocytes serve as the cow’s internal security team. Constantly on patrol, these cells are on the lookout for harmful bacteria and spring into action when an infection is detected. The influx of leukocytes in response to infection is the reason for an increase in SCC in milk.

Infection and Its Impact
When an infection takes root, leukocytes infiltrate the alveoli (where milk is produced) disrupting and reducing the milk yield. Think of it as an emergency response within the udder, necessary yet damaging to milk production.

The California Mastitis Test: A Farmer’s Diagnostic Tool
To detect this problem early, farmers traditionally use the California Mastitis Test (CMT). This handy test gives a visual indication of the cell count by causing the milk to thicken in response to the CMT solution. Interestingly, research has shown that a household detergent like Fairy liquid, when diluted, can mimic the CMT solution, providing an accessible method for farmers to check their cows.

The Importance of Individual SCC Monitoring
Keeping an eye on the SCC is not just beneficial for the herd but essential for each cow. Monitoring individual cows can help identify those with subclinical infections and make informed decisions about their management. It’s akin to analysing the performance of each player on a Rugby team to devise a winning strategy.

Factors Influencing SCC
Not all elevations in SCC are due to infections. Stress, the period after calving, and the tail end of lactation can also affect cell counts. Therefore, taking samples throughout the milking and from both the morning and evening milkings can offer a more consistent overview.

Enter Moonsyst AI: A Technological Guardian
Enter the age of artificial intelligence with Moonsyst AI, a revolutionary tool designed to detect early signs of mastitis. By incorporating this smart monitoring system, farmers can now tackle udder health proactively. Moonsyst AI complements traditional methods, such as the CMT, allowing for a comprehensive and effective management strategy.


Early detection of Mastitis using Moonsyst AI Technology

Final Thoughts
Merging traditional practices with advanced solutions like Moonsyst AI marks a new chapter in dairy farming. With these tools at our disposal, we can ensure the health of our herds and the quality of the milk they produce. If you would like to learn more about the early detection of mastitis using AI technology contact Us